May 29, 2007 - Special
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Edward Sipples. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve May 14, 2007 amended as follows -
Page 1, under 6. Re-Opening of Lovers Lane, 6th paragraph, last sentence - change "included" to "inclined."
Page 5, under Selectmen's Concerns, 2nd paragraph, last sentence should read, "...Affordable Housing Plan."
Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
John Himmelman was present representing the Inland Wetlands Commission. He indicated they are looking for help in completing the Environmental Review Team Study for Lovers Lane. The Study was lacking the soil sample borings. The cost would be $3,270 as they were not able to get any graduate students to do it. Mr. Himmelman noted the IWWC has voted to appropriate $1000 from their budget to contribute to this cost, but the Town would have to pick up the balance. It was noted the borings had never been done. They would like to do eight (8) test holes. Selectman Dudek noted there is money available in the Capital budget for these improvements, but he was concerned in that it would not be comparable to anything. Selectman Sipples asked if borings would be done at the Route 81 site for comparison. Would the cost be double if two sites are done? Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to add new business item #6 to approve $2270 for soil core boring at Lovers Lane. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Proposed Gardens @ Bosco - Peg Scofield
Peg Scofield noted she was investigating the possibility of having a community garden at the Bosco property. She indicated the field could support 24 plots each 20 feet by 20 feet. The vegetables grown could be donated to food pantries in Killingworth and surrounding towns. The project could also be an educational project for students at the nearby Haddam-Killingworth Middle School and an opportunity for older residents at Jensen's Mobile Home Community to have their own garden. There project would have to have some kind of fencing to keep deer and other animals out and a pump to draw water from a well on the property. A solar powered fence is also a possibility. Peter Venuti offered to help complete the necessary site preparation work this year for planting in the spring of 2008. First Selectman Klein supported the idea noting the fencing and pump could be obtained at a minimal cost to the Town. Prospective gardeners would have to sign a hold harmless agreement to satisfy the Town's insurance carriers. The Board urged Ms. Scofield to continue her efforts relative to the community garden project. The project could be run administratively by the Town possibly through Park & Rec charging a small fee for people to work their plot of land.
Lou Annino noted he heard there was less traffic at the Middle School site since Lovers Lane was opened. There is a lot less congestion. He also noted he spoke with a retiree from the State who indicated there is the same problem on Route 148 that exists on Lovers Lane. They put a certain amount of bituminous material down every year and raise it up every year. This did not require any test borings. The project should be looked at simply to keep the road open. Mr. Annino briefly reviewed the beaver situation at this location. Selectman Dudek noted part of the problem here is that the permit was withdrawn during the process after the previous Board of Selectmen had set that process in motion. Dudek indicated he would just like to fix it instead of chip sealing it every year. Klein agreed noting that should be presented to the townspeople once the Town Engineer finishes his report and the core samples are done.
4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
$401.74 GMAC Overpayment of Taxes
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve tax refund to GMAC as noted. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments/Vacancies
1. BAA - Collis Beck
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to appoint Collis Beck to Board of Assessment Appeals. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
2. TOBSC
First Selectman Klein noted there are two vacancies and no volunteers at this time.
3. IWWC
First Selectman Klein noted there has been a vacancy for some time and Mr. Addy has not resigned as yet, but his resignation is anticipated soon. Mr. Addy will be greatly missed as he has been on this Commission for about 15 years.
6. Old Business
1. Green Hill/Route 81/Work Schedule
First Selectman Klein noted work will start as soon as school is out. The big item will be removal of the huge tulip tree. The work will shut down on Thursday and it will be closed until after Labor Day. They will continue however to work on the sides of the road with normal traffic flow. Todd Berman will be coming in to discuss the traffic issue on Chittenden Road. The definition of thru-traffic was reviewed. First Selectman Klein reviewed the work schedule in detail.
There was a brief discussion about signs being put up at the Route 81/80 Circle. The State DOT has been removing those signs as they are a deterrent to motorists.
2. Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Selectman Dudek noted they received a draft of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The items were reviewed in detail and where they should be placed within the Five-Year Plan. There was discussion about projects being done in multiple phases and how they should be identified in the Plan. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Waiver of Building Inspection Fees for Region #17 Middle School & Acceptance of Final Payment
First Selectman Klein noted the final check has been received for building inspection fees. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to accept the final payment for building inspection fees for Region #17 Middle School. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
2. BOS Approval - Tri-State Trek 7/20/07 Certicate of Insurance.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to accept the Certificate of Insurance from Tri-State Trek for the purpose of an event on town roads. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Flashing Lights - Irene Sheldon Park, Route 80
First Selectman Klein noted CL&P has sent the Town a bill for $2900. Initially the electrician never took out a permit to install the lights and this bill goes back to July 2002. Discussion followed. The lights are now metered. The Board asked Klein to negotiate with CL&P for a resolution.
4. Employee Picnic
First Selectman Klein noted it is estimated there will be about 200 people for this event. It was noted $5000 has been allocated for this event. Discussion followed. Klein will investigate the possibility of utilizing the cafeteria at the new Middle School.
5. BOS Authorization for First Selectman to sign Resident Trooper Contract for period of 7/1/07 - 7/30/09
The Board reviewed the two options relative to this contract. It was noted the purchase and maintenance of computers were non-budgeted items. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Resident Trooper Contract extension from 7/1/07 to 7/30/09. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Lover's Lane $2270 for Soil Core Samples
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to utilize $2270 from Capital Dollar Line entitled Lover's Lane for the purpose of taking soil core samples at Lover's Lane. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. It is noted $1000 will also come out of the Inland Wetlands budget.
There was a brief discussion about having independent people narrow the field down to a minimal number of candidates for the Public Works Supervisor position. Selectman Dudek explained how this process works relative to the Fire Department. He was not familiar how it would work regarding Public Works Departments. Selectman Sipples has been told this is a common practice among municipalities. It was noted there are 9 applicants. It was noted the "letter of interest" received from one individual is not an application. Selectman Sipples asked about the status of removing this position from the Union. Klein noted this is still in negotiation and should not be discussed. There was further discussion as to whether this position should be classified as a supervisory position. Dudek reiterated his position that this job should not be in the Union. Klein indicated there are times when one has to manage and there are times when one must pitch in to help. He felt there wasn't a lot of managerial work. Selectman Sipples suggested a trial period of one year hiring Mr. Leighton as the managerial person and leaving the highway foreman position as is. Both Klein and Dudek were against the suggestion. Dudek noted he felt this position could be handled by one individual. It was decided to check with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities on putting together a group of individuals to review the applications.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted he spoke to the Post Office today relative to the Town getting its own post office. He was promised they would look into this again.
First Selectman Klein noted he was in the preliminary stage of discussing another Open Space parcel but declined to give any further information.
9. Selectmen's Concerns - none.
10. Executive Session - none.
11. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples to adjourn at 8:44 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Edward Sipples. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve May 14, 2007 amended as follows -
Page 1, under 6. Re-Opening of Lovers Lane, 6th paragraph, last sentence - change "included" to "inclined."
Page 5, under Selectmen's Concerns, 2nd paragraph, last sentence should read, "...Affordable Housing Plan."
Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
John Himmelman was present representing the Inland Wetlands Commission. He indicated they are looking for help in completing the Environmental Review Team Study for Lovers Lane. The Study was lacking the soil sample borings. The cost would be $3,270 as they were not able to get any graduate students to do it. Mr. Himmelman noted the IWWC has voted to appropriate $1000 from their budget to contribute to this cost, but the Town would have to pick up the balance. It was noted the borings had never been done. They would like to do eight (8) test holes. Selectman Dudek noted there is money available in the Capital budget for these improvements, but he was concerned in that it would not be comparable to anything. Selectman Sipples asked if borings would be done at the Route 81 site for comparison. Would the cost be double if two sites are done? Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to add new business item #6 to approve $2270 for soil core boring at Lovers Lane. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Proposed Gardens @ Bosco - Peg Scofield
Peg Scofield noted she was investigating the possibility of having a community garden at the Bosco property. She indicated the field could support 24 plots each 20 feet by 20 feet. The vegetables grown could be donated to food pantries in Killingworth and surrounding towns. The project could also be an educational project for students at the nearby Haddam-Killingworth Middle School and an opportunity for older residents at Jensen's Mobile Home Community to have their own garden. There project would have to have some kind of fencing to keep deer and other animals out and a pump to draw water from a well on the property. A solar powered fence is also a possibility. Peter Venuti offered to help complete the necessary site preparation work this year for planting in the spring of 2008. First Selectman Klein supported the idea noting the fencing and pump could be obtained at a minimal cost to the Town. Prospective gardeners would have to sign a hold harmless agreement to satisfy the Town's insurance carriers. The Board urged Ms. Scofield to continue her efforts relative to the community garden project. The project could be run administratively by the Town possibly through Park & Rec charging a small fee for people to work their plot of land.
Lou Annino noted he heard there was less traffic at the Middle School site since Lovers Lane was opened. There is a lot less congestion. He also noted he spoke with a retiree from the State who indicated there is the same problem on Route 148 that exists on Lovers Lane. They put a certain amount of bituminous material down every year and raise it up every year. This did not require any test borings. The project should be looked at simply to keep the road open. Mr. Annino briefly reviewed the beaver situation at this location. Selectman Dudek noted part of the problem here is that the permit was withdrawn during the process after the previous Board of Selectmen had set that process in motion. Dudek indicated he would just like to fix it instead of chip sealing it every year. Klein agreed noting that should be presented to the townspeople once the Town Engineer finishes his report and the core samples are done.
4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
$401.74 GMAC Overpayment of Taxes
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve tax refund to GMAC as noted. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments/Vacancies
1. BAA - Collis Beck
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to appoint Collis Beck to Board of Assessment Appeals. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
2. TOBSC
First Selectman Klein noted there are two vacancies and no volunteers at this time.
3. IWWC
First Selectman Klein noted there has been a vacancy for some time and Mr. Addy has not resigned as yet, but his resignation is anticipated soon. Mr. Addy will be greatly missed as he has been on this Commission for about 15 years.
6. Old Business
1. Green Hill/Route 81/Work Schedule
First Selectman Klein noted work will start as soon as school is out. The big item will be removal of the huge tulip tree. The work will shut down on Thursday and it will be closed until after Labor Day. They will continue however to work on the sides of the road with normal traffic flow. Todd Berman will be coming in to discuss the traffic issue on Chittenden Road. The definition of thru-traffic was reviewed. First Selectman Klein reviewed the work schedule in detail.
There was a brief discussion about signs being put up at the Route 81/80 Circle. The State DOT has been removing those signs as they are a deterrent to motorists.
2. Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Selectman Dudek noted they received a draft of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The items were reviewed in detail and where they should be placed within the Five-Year Plan. There was discussion about projects being done in multiple phases and how they should be identified in the Plan. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Waiver of Building Inspection Fees for Region #17 Middle School & Acceptance of Final Payment
First Selectman Klein noted the final check has been received for building inspection fees. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to accept the final payment for building inspection fees for Region #17 Middle School. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
2. BOS Approval - Tri-State Trek 7/20/07 Certicate of Insurance.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to accept the Certificate of Insurance from Tri-State Trek for the purpose of an event on town roads. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Flashing Lights - Irene Sheldon Park, Route 80
First Selectman Klein noted CL&P has sent the Town a bill for $2900. Initially the electrician never took out a permit to install the lights and this bill goes back to July 2002. Discussion followed. The lights are now metered. The Board asked Klein to negotiate with CL&P for a resolution.
4. Employee Picnic
First Selectman Klein noted it is estimated there will be about 200 people for this event. It was noted $5000 has been allocated for this event. Discussion followed. Klein will investigate the possibility of utilizing the cafeteria at the new Middle School.
5. BOS Authorization for First Selectman to sign Resident Trooper Contract for period of 7/1/07 - 7/30/09
The Board reviewed the two options relative to this contract. It was noted the purchase and maintenance of computers were non-budgeted items. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Resident Trooper Contract extension from 7/1/07 to 7/30/09. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Lover's Lane $2270 for Soil Core Samples
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to utilize $2270 from Capital Dollar Line entitled Lover's Lane for the purpose of taking soil core samples at Lover's Lane. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. It is noted $1000 will also come out of the Inland Wetlands budget.
There was a brief discussion about having independent people narrow the field down to a minimal number of candidates for the Public Works Supervisor position. Selectman Dudek explained how this process works relative to the Fire Department. He was not familiar how it would work regarding Public Works Departments. Selectman Sipples has been told this is a common practice among municipalities. It was noted there are 9 applicants. It was noted the "letter of interest" received from one individual is not an application. Selectman Sipples asked about the status of removing this position from the Union. Klein noted this is still in negotiation and should not be discussed. There was further discussion as to whether this position should be classified as a supervisory position. Dudek reiterated his position that this job should not be in the Union. Klein indicated there are times when one has to manage and there are times when one must pitch in to help. He felt there wasn't a lot of managerial work. Selectman Sipples suggested a trial period of one year hiring Mr. Leighton as the managerial person and leaving the highway foreman position as is. Both Klein and Dudek were against the suggestion. Dudek noted he felt this position could be handled by one individual. It was decided to check with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities on putting together a group of individuals to review the applications.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted he spoke to the Post Office today relative to the Town getting its own post office. He was promised they would look into this again.
First Selectman Klein noted he was in the preliminary stage of discussing another Open Space parcel but declined to give any further information.
9. Selectmen's Concerns - none.
10. Executive Session - none.
11. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples to adjourn at 8:44 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
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